GARDAI should be given extra resources to catch arsonists behind five days of gorse fire hell in Donegal, Senator Jimmy Harte is demanding.
His call came as the county’s chief fire officer Bobby McMenamin said many of the fires which wrecked homes, forests and farm land were started deliberately.
Mr McMenamin accepted that some fires were accidental – but most weren’t.
“I’m sure there was more than picnic fires lit,” said Mr McMenamin.
“There were five fires in Buncrana in one day, so it’s obvious someone was doing something they shouldn’t be doing.
“And in Dungloe, on Saturday evening, we had put a fire out by 5pm. Two other fires started up again there at 5am. At five in the morning fires just don’t happen by themselves.”
Today Senator Jimmy Harte called for Gardai to be given help to catch those responsible.
“The county is one massive crime scene,” said Senator Harte.
“It is a week since these fires started and I hope the Gardai are given all the assistance they need to make sure those who started fire deliberately are brought to justice. They should look at getting a special team or task force in place.”
Coillte – the forest agency – has put the damage to 550 hectares of forestry in Donegal at €5M.
The final bill could top €10M.
Today Junior Agriculture Minister Shane Mc Entee will visit the county to view some of the damage caused by the worst wildfires in living memory.
The visit is being coordinated by Junior Gaeltacht Minister Dinny Mc Ginley, who says it’s important that the extent of the damage is assessed.
Tags: